We try to keep a pretty consistent bedtime routine for both our kids. Even with a 5 year age gap, they both do best going to bed at 8pm which means I start giving verbal reminders about an hour beforehand that it’s almost time to head upstairs for bath time.
Bath Time
Evening baths are a must on our current hot & humid days. We get outdoors and play hard so we’re all sweaty by evening. My son heads to the master bathroom for the shower so the kids’ bathroom is free for me to bathe his sister. It’s the perfect relaxation time to start getting into “bedtime” mode.
Our daughter has not been our greatest sleeper. She surprised us by sleeping through the night consistently from months 2 to 4. Then just as suddenly quit. I can count on probably 2 hands the number of nights she’s slept through the night since.
We recently started using Johnson’s Baby Bedtime Bath and Baby Shampoo in Calming Lavender during bath time. Followed by a gentle massage of her legs & arms while I rubbed in some Johnson’s Bedtime Lotion. The first few nights she suddenly slept 10-12 hours straight. It hasn’t been a perfect fix (I partly blame that last incisor – teething is no joke), but I was quite impressed with the sudden improvement. Maybe the trend will continue once that incisor breaks through.
Brushing Teeth
Taking care of their gums and teeth is very important. Our schedule is so consistent, our daughter knows exactly when to head to the bathroom to brush her teeth – running ahead of me giggling the entire way. Then using the step stool to try to reach the brushes and paste. They are still just barely out of her reach so I have to give her a lift to the counter and, of course, assist with the process.
Reading
Each night after brushing her teeth, she will give hugs to her brother and me. Then run to her Dada for story time. He sits and rocks her in the glider in her room while reading book after book. She’s gotten pretty particular about which books she wants too! And, sometimes, we’ll catch her sitting there “reading” to herself or a friend.
Meanwhile I head to her brother’s room for some one-on-one time. Depending on how exhausted he is from the day this varies from us just snuggling and talking about his day, to reading a book, and/or writing in our journal.
Lights Out
At 8pm it’s lights out for both kids. They each have a couple special “friends” they like to snuggle with. Our daughter’s new favorite is her Owl from Hallmark. It’s made of soft minky fabric and sized perfectly for her to wrap her arms around. It’s also super kissable. 😉
The Owl features a silkier belly fabric along with small ribbons perfect for little ones to rub for comfort at bedtime or anytime of the day. Owl hangs out in her crib most of the day, but sometimes can be found hanging out in the playroom or taking a ride in the toy stroller.
What’s your bedtime routine like? Does your little one have a special “friend” to cuddle with?
Hallmark has generously offered to send one of my readers their own Good-Night Kisses Baby Gift Set perfect for your own baby or to gift to a new baby in your life.
The set includes:
- Hallmark Plush Owl Complete with a bedtime stocking cap and relaxing muted colors, Hallmark’s plush owl is the perfect snuggly companion to help baby wind down for the night.
- Hallmark Good-Night Kisses Bedtime Storybook The comforting words in this Hallmark tale remind your sleepy little one of the love that’s all around, sending baby off into a peaceful and soothing sleep.
- Johnson’s Baby Products Baby Bedtime Bath, Baby Shampoo Calming Lavender, and Baby Bedtime Lotion
- Bath Caddy Perfect for organizing all those bath toys!
Use the Rafflecopter form below to enter. Giveaway ends on 7/28/16. Find the new Good-Night Kisses Baby Gift Set at Target, Babies ‘R Us, and Buy Buy Baby.
Disclosure: I did receive one Good-Night Kisses Baby Gift Set from Hallmark for review purposes.
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